COLD CALLING DOOR TO DOOR SALES

Gower neighbourhood Policing are aware that there have been several incidents reported over the last few days relating to males going door to door in Gower and neighbouring wards .Please see the below advice.

Door-to-door sellers in South Wales claiming to be ex-offenders on a rehabilitation scheme are part of a widespread scam and are not involved in any legitimate police or probation program. South Wales Police advise residents to not open the door to strangers, refuse sales, and report any incidents to the police via 101.

Key Information from South Wales Police

No Official Schemes: South Wales Police and local probation services confirm there are no government or police-certified rehabilitation programs that involve ex-offenders selling products door-to-door.

Known as "Nottingham Knockers": This is a well-known national scam where individuals, often bussed into an area, sell low-quality household goods at inflated prices.

Potential Scouting for Crime: These callers may be gathering information about your home's security, occupants (especially vulnerable residents), and valuables for future burglaries.

May Become Aggressive: Callers can become abusive or aggressive if refused a sale or asked to leave.

Police and Official Advice

If you encounter door-to-door sellers making these claims, follow the advice from the police:

Do not open the door to strangers or deal with cold callers.

If you do open the door, use a door chain.

Firmly but politely refuse any sales and ask them to leave.

If they refuse to leave or become aggressive, call 999 immediately.

For non-emergencies or to report a visit, call South Wales Police on 101. Provide as much information as possible, including descriptions and vehicle registration numbers.

Consider putting a "No Cold Callers" sign on your door. A trader who ignores this may be committing a criminal offence.

Report fraud or if you have lost money to Action Fraud online at the Report Fraud website or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Stay vigilant and warn vulnerable neighbours, friends, and family about this common scam.